System for filtering water from swimming pools

ABSTRACT

A system for cleaning water of a swimming pool is disclosed. The system includes at least one first housing, at least one second housing, at least one third housing and pipes. The first housing includes at least one skimmer element and a corresponding filtration element. The skimmer element receives water. The corresponding filtration element filters water drawn via the skimmer element. The second housing includes a pump element spaced apart from the first housing and draws water from the swimming pool and pump water into the first housing through the skimmer element and the filtration element, for filtering and purification purposes and finally ejecting filtered water. The third housing is spaced apart from the first and second housing and includes an output element to receive and eject filtered water. The system of the present disclosure is non invasive in nature and provides flexibility of installation.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to the field of filtration systems.

In particular, this disclosure relates to a system for filtering waterfrom swimming pools.

BACKGROUND

A body of water held within a defined space, for swimming purposes orfor water-based activities, is the use and function of a swimming pool.Swimming pools mainly serve as centers for recreation and exercise.These may be located at homes for private use, or at clubs for publicuse.

Swimming pools may be both outdoor, open to sky, as well as be confinedwithin closed spaces. In the open scenario, the water, especially, itssurface level is susceptible to impurities. To maintain hygiene purposessuitable for human use, to maintain clarity levels, to impede the growthof micro flora and considering the volume of water, and the nature orimpurities it is being exposed to, it is necessary that the pool becontinuously filtered.

Conventional filtration pumps use skimmers to draw out water, and relaythis drawn water to an externally located filtration plant, whichusually consists of a sand based filter, where filtration takes place,before water is sent back into the pool. This arrangement is a highlypower consuming mechanism, mainly because of the power needed to channelthe flow of water from the pool to the filtration house, through thesand, and back again.

Set up costs of the filtration plant is huge, because of the plumbingrequired, and the need for a separate space renders this conventionalfiltration plant troublesome in many ways. Conventional filtrationsystems usually have concealed piping throughout the pool to facilitateproper circulation. This concealed piping is usually done by puncturingthe structure of the pool. The concealed piping is used either for inputof water, or output, or both. The said piping also carries the waterbetween the pool and filtration unit. A leakage or fault in theconcealed piping usually leads to major work in, and around, the pool.

Current developments in smaller units include a compact device whichhouses the pump which is externally located and the filter and outputdevice which is located in the water of the swimming pool. One housinghouses the pump, which is externally located, while the other housinghouses a skimmer, a filter and the output device, which is locatedwithin the water of the swimming pool. These units may be compact, buthave a limited input range and throughput capability.

There is a need for a swimming pool filtration system with a greater andflexible input flow range and a larger throughput capacity, a freeflowing filtering medium and a relatively non-invasive installation.This is essential to facilitate proper, and faster, circulation of waterin swimming pools without having to make large scale changes in thestructure or internal liner of the swimming pool.

PRIOR ART

GB 1343894 discloses a swimming pool filter.

US2005092668 discloses a COMPACT FILTERING UNIT FOR A SWIMMING POOLBASIN. It discloses a filter which has a skimmer element along the poolwall, and a pump placed outside the pool. However, it specificallyrelates to a compact filtering unit. A single pump, in this case, doesnot service many separate skimmer elements.

US2007163933 discloses a SWIMMING POOL SKIMMER PUMP ASSEMBLY. Thisdocument is directed towards a skimmer element not being driven by apump.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,827 discloses a PORTABLE SWIMMING POOL SKIMMER. Thesystem discloses a portable skimmer element with its inventive conceptdirected towards its portability.

There is no filtration unit or apparatus or system which discloses anefficient or modular way to service any shape, specifically a free-formswimming pools.

There is no disclosure in relation to increase of coverage area forswimming pools filtration in an effective, economical and non-invasivemethod.

OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the system of the present disclosure, which atleast one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

It is an object of the system of the present disclosure to ameliorateone or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a usefulalternative.

Another object of the present disclosure is to clean water from aswimming pool

Yet another object of the system of the present disclosure is to providean efficient filtration system which minimizes the loss of power andpressure associated with conventional filtration systems.

One more object of the system of the present disclosure is to have acontinuously working system for cleaning water from a swimming pool.

Still another object of the system of the present disclosure is to havea flexible filtration system that can incorporate multiple watercollection points by means of self contained water collection andfiltration devices that can be placed within the body of the swimmingpool to facilitate an efficient water circulation system with minimumintrusion to the structure of the swimming pool.

Still another object of the system of the present disclosure is toeliminate the ground preparation process which is generally required forother conventional filtration units.

Still another object of the system of the present disclosure is toprovide an easy filtration replacement option for old/defunct filtrationsystems.

Still another object of the system of the present disclosure is toensure a proper water circulation system for liner pools without makingpunctures in the liners for filtration elements.

Still another object of the system of the present disclosure is toeliminate the leakages that arise when liners are cut for openings likeskimmers, input/output jets or sockets or for lights.

Still another object of the system of the present disclosure is toincrease throughput flow rate and minimize the time taken for filtrationof swimming pools.

These and other objects of the present disclosure are dealt with to alarge extent by the descriptive matter and the accompanying drawing(s)in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a system forcleaning water of a swimming pool is disclosed. The system includes atleast one first housing, at least one second housing, at least one thirdhousing and pipes. The at least one first housing includes at least oneskimmer element and a corresponding filtration element. The at least oneskimmer element is adapted to receive water. The correspondingfiltration element is adapted to filter water drawn via the skimmerelement. The at least a second housing includes a pump element. The pumpelement is spaced apart from the first housing and adapted to draw waterfrom the swimming pool and pump water into the first housing through theskimmer element and the filtration element, for filtering andpurification purposes and finally ejecting filtered water. Thefiltration element is inline between the skimmer element and the pumpelement. The at least one third housing is spaced apart from the firstand second housing. The at least one third housing includes an outputelement adapted to receive and eject filtered water. The pipes arenon-invasive with respect to the main structure and inner wall of theswimming pool, the pipes are adapted to communicably couple the firsthousing, the second housing and the third housing. Each of the housingsand pipes are placed in a spaced apart manner to contour the shape ofthe swimming pool, and the housings are adapted to be fixed only on thetop ledge or outside of the swimming pool, thereby not damaging theinner walls of the swimming pool.

Typically, the pipes are placed along the outer surface of the pool,below removable gratings that run along the outer surface decking of thepool.

In one embodiment, the filtration element includes a reusable ordisposable filtration media.

In another embodiment, the filtration element includes a free flowingfiltering media that reduces pressure loss during the filtrationprocess.

Further, the first housing, the second housing, and the third housingmay include clamping mechanisms adapted to clamp the housings to thewall or edge of the swimming pool.

In one embodiment, the pumps include dual motor driving devices toincrease or decrease throughput flow.

Typically, the pipes define airtight and watertight passageways for theflow of water.

Further, the system may include a disinfecting element adapted fortreating water through the filter element with a disinfectant before itsrelease into the swimming pool via the output element.

Furthermore, the system may include a flow rate control mechanismadapted for controlling the rate of flow of water into and out of thesystem based on pre-defined parameters.

In one embodiment, the system includes an electronic remote controlmanagement system for monitoring the health of, and for controlling theworking of, the system.

The system may include sensors deployed at each element of the housingto sense individual health of each element in each of the housing.

Moreover, the sensors may be adapted to sense the flow rate of water inthe pipes.

Typically, the system includes computation means adapted to computedifferential flow-rate between various points in the pipes to determinechokes/blocks in the pipes.

Also, the system may include a heating unit adapted to heat the waterbefore it is ejected from the output element.

The output element may include a plurality of jet elements in closeproximity to increase the flow of water in a particular prescribed areato provide a wave like motion in the swimming pool.

Typically, the system includes sensors to sense water level and furtherincludes a water level switch that can start or stop the pump(s)according to sensed height of the water, based on predefined conditions.

In one embodiment, the system includes sensors to sense water level andfurther includes water draining mechanism to drain out water from theswimming pool, based on pre-defined conditions.

In another embodiment, the system includes an additional filteringmedium connected to the output element.

In yet another embodiment, the system includes light units placed atfirst housing and/or third housing for lighting the pool.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a swimming pool isdisclosed having a system, as disclosed hereinabove, for cleaning waterthereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be explained in relation to the non-limitingaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of the system forfiltering swimming pools;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of the piping between askimmer element, an outlet element, and a pump element; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic representation of a free-form swimmingpool lined with the filtering system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings which do not limit the scope and ambit of thedisclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example andillustration.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous detailsthereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments inthe following description. Descriptions of well-known components andprocessing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure theembodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely tofacilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein maybe practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practicethe embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not beconstrued as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The description hereinafter, of the specific embodiments will so fullyreveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, byapplying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for variousapplications such specific embodiments without departing from thegeneric concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modificationsshould and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and rangeof equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood thatthe phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodimentsherein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can bepracticed with modification within the spirit and scope of theembodiments as described herein.

According to this disclosure, there is provided a system (100) forcleaning water from a swimming pool.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of the system (100) ofthis disclosure.

In accordance with an embodiment, there is provided a system (100) withmultiple housings and elements for the filtration of water from aswimming pool.

The elements include input (skimmer) elements, output elements,filtration elements, pump elements in combinations and placed inhousings.

In an embodiment, the multiple housings and elements may be assembledclose to each other.

In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a first element(10) which is a skimmer element (10) for receiving water from theswimming pool. The first element (10) serves as an inlet means for thefiltration system (100). Many such skimmer elements may be used atmultiple locations.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, there is provided a secondelement (20), the second element being a filtration element (20), andadapted to filter water drawn into the housing via the skimmer elements(10). The filtration element (20) includes a filtration media. Thefiltration media may be a disposable or reusable filtration media.

The filtration element (20) and the skimmer element (10) may be disposedin one sub-housing i.e. in a first housing (110). In one embodiment, thefirst housing (110) houses a skimmer element only. Alternatively, inanother embodiment, the first housing (110) houses a filtration elementonly. This sub-housing can be strategically placed in different areas ofthe pool to ensure that the water enters the filtration elements in anydesired area. The reference numeral (70) illustrates the water level inthe swimming pool. The design of this sub-housing is such that they canbe appended or attached to the said swimming pool ledge or othersupporting device without any major changes to the structure or internalsurface of the said swimming pool. This filtration sub-housing can alsobe placed side by side if required.

In accordance with still another embodiment of this disclosure, there isprovided a third element (30), said third element being pumps (30),adapted to draw in water from the swimming pool and pump water into thefirst housing (110) through the skimmer element (10) and the filtrationelement (20), for filtering and purification purposes and finallyejecting filtered water out of a third housing (130). The pumps element(30) may be spaced apart from the skimmer element (10) and thefiltration element (20). The pump element (30) will be in communicationwith the skimmer element (10) by means of pipes. In one embodiment, thepipes are adapted to be placed along the contour of the swimming pool.The pumps, are typically centrifugal pumps, to receive water, and forejecting water there through.

A second housing 120 includes the third element 30.

By having dual motor driving devices, throughput flow rate will beincreased and the time taken for filtration of swimming pools will beconsequently minimized. This dual motor system can also reducefiltration running time and save power when the pumps are running onpower generation (gensets) systems that have a prescribed minimum powergeneration capacity without provision of reducing power generation asper power utilization requirement.

The filtration element (20) is inline between the skimmer element (10)and the pump element (30).

In accordance with an additional embodiment of this disclosure, there isprovided an airtight and watertight passageway (45) for the flow ofwater. This passageway provides for communication between the skimmerelement (10), the pump (30) and the output (40).

In accordance with yet an additional embodiment of this disclosure,there may be provided a disinfecting element (50) adapted for treatingthe water through the filter element (20) with a disinfectant beforerelease into the swimming pool via the output element (40).

In accordance with still an additional embodiment of this disclosure,there is provided a flow rate control mechanism (60) adapted forcontrolling the rate of flow of water into and out of the system (100).Depending upon need, visual impurity, this could be turned up or down.

In accordance with yet an additional embodiment of this disclosure,there is provided a fourth element (40) which is an output element (40)adapted to receive and eject filtered water. The fourth element isprovided inside the third housing (130).

In accordance with still an additional embodiment of this disclosure,there is provided a clamping mechanism adapted to clamp the housings ofthe system (100) on to the wall of the swimming pool. The first housing(110) can be attached to the wall of the pool by brackets.

In accordance with another additional embodiment of this disclosure,there is provided an electronic remote control management system (80)for monitoring the health of and for controlling the working of thesystem (100). Typically, sensors may be deployed at each element of thehousing. These sensors may monitor individual health of each element.Further, the sensors may monitor the flow rate of the passageways. Bycomputing difference in flow rates between sensors, chokes/blocks in thepassageways may be determined.

In accordance with another additional embodiment of this disclosure,there is provided a heating unit (90) adapted to heat the water beforeit is ejected from the output element (40).

In accordance with yet another additional embodiment of this disclosure,the output element (40) includes a plurality of jet elements to increasethe flow of water in a particular prescribed area. This concentratedflow of water gives a wave like flow and force. The strong current makesit possible for a swimmer to swim against the wave of the current,thereby remaining stationery due to the flow of the current, within arelatively constricted area.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of this disclosure, there isprovided a water level switch that can start or stop the pump accordingto the height of the water. This device will essentially start the pumpwhen the water level reaches a particular determined height in theswimming pool, as sensed by sensors placed in the pool, therebyactivating an automatic water draining mechanism to drain out excessrain water.

In accordance with still another embodiment of this disclosure, there isprovided a mechanism of connecting the external pipes in a detachablemechanism. Since the entire system is appended to the walls in asemi-permanent manner, it is possible to remove the submerged or entirefiltration system without any major change to the internal or externalstructure of the swimming pool. This feature is useful duringwinterization of pools to avoid pipes from freezing etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic of the piping (150) between the skimmerelement (10), the outlet element (40), and the pump element (30). Thearrows in the piping refer to the flow of water from the pool, throughskimmer elements, to the pump element and to the outlet elements.

In the conventional filtration system, leakages arise when liners arecut for openings like skimmers, input/output jets or sockets or forlights. There is a chance of undue water pressure on one of thesecuttings that may lead to leakages in the liner due to stress. Thepresence of skimmer elements and other outlets/inlets distributed aroundthe pool can restrict the movement of the liner and result in unduepressure on certain areas of the pool which usually result in opening ofpunctures. This disclosure eliminates the requirement of punctures, yetmaintains the flexibility of multiple skimmer elements to extend thelife of the liners in swimming pools.

Further, these cuts or punctures, of the prior art, make it difficult toremove and re-fix a liner for alterations, repair or renovation. It isdifficult to match all the punctures during refitting a liner, thusrendering the liner useless. This disclosure eliminates the requirementfor puncturing the liner and gives the luxury to remove and refit theliner if and when required.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of a free-form swimming pool (200) linedwith the filtering system, depicting the circulation of water.

In accordance with another additional embodiment of this disclosure,there is provided an additional filtering medium connected to the outputjet of the third housing 130. This medium can serve as an additionalfiltration backup without reducing the water flow levels feeding intothe pumps.

In accordance with yet another additional embodiment of this disclosure,different filtration mediums with varying micron levels of filtrationcan be placed in the filtration collection device to get the desiredlevel of filtration. It is easy to alter and adjust the level offiltration required to clean the water. This micron level can beadjusted according to the quality of water and required flow rate of thewater for the pumps.

In accordance with still another additional embodiment of thisdisclosure, there is a possibility of improving the aesthetic looks ofthe system by altering the shape and size of pipes and units that arepart of the system. By deploying flat pipes/connectors in areas wherethe water travels through the system it is possible to make the systemlook sleeker and more non-obstructive. The skimmer elements and outputelements can also be made sleeker looking by altering the size and shapeof the filtering elements and output elements.

In accordance with yet an additional embodiment of this disclosure,additional skimmer elements (10) along with filtration elements (20) maybe deployed in line along the walls of the swimming pool, and be adaptedto be in communication with said output element (30) by means of pipes,laid along the outer wall.

In accordance with still an additional embodiment of this disclosure,there are provided light units placed at the first housing (110) and/orthe third housing (130) for lighting the pool.

The advantage of the current swimming pool filtration system lies in itsconstructional embodiment that a plurality of skimmer elements, withfilter elements, may be deployed around the pool, thereby covering anyarea or shape of a pool. These skimmer elements are typically fixed tothe outer wall of the pool. They are in communication with a separatelylocated pump element, which is placed out of the pool. The filteredwater is ejected into the pool through a separate output element. Theseoutput elements may also be dispersed throughout the pool, therebyadequately covering any size or shape of the pool. Its modularity allowsit to place multiple skimmers and multiple output elements incommunication with at least a single pump in any size or shape of thepool.

Due to the relatively non invasive installation process of thisdisclosure, skimmer elements can now be easily placed in the same areaas existing old skimmers and, by merely running a pipe along the deckingto the pump and output elements, the pool can have a new filtrationsystem without touching the old existing system. By placing the newskimmer elements over, or beside, the old existing skimmers, the poolcan have an efficient and effective circulation system on the samecirculating pattern as the original filtration system without majorstructural changes in the swimming pool.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as“comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusionof a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers orsteps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, orgroup of elements, integers or steps.

The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the useof one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may bein the embodiment to achieve one or more of the desired objects orresults.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or thelike that has been included in this specification is solely for thepurpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be takenas an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the priorart base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to thedisclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of thisapplication.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters,dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisagedthat the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to theparameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of thedisclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific tothe contrary.

1. A system for cleaning water of a swimming pool, said systemcomprising: at least one first housing comprising: at least one skimmerelement adapted to receive water; a corresponding filtration elementadapted to filter water drawn via said skimmer element; at least asecond housing comprising: a pump element spaced apart from said firsthousing and adapted to draw water from said swimming pool and pump waterinto said first housing through said skimmer element and said filtrationelement, for filtering and purification purposes and finally ejectingfiltered water; wherein said filtration element is inline between saidskimmer element and said pump element; at least a third housing spacedapart from said first and second housing comprising: an output elementadapted to receive and eject filtered water; and pipes, non-invasivewith respect to the main structure and inner wall of the swimming pool,said pipes adapted to communicably couple said first housing, saidsecond housing and said third housing; wherein, each of said housingsand pipes are placed in a spaced apart manner to contour the shape ofthe swimming pool, and said housings are adapted to be fixed only on thetop ledge or outside of said swimming pool, thereby not damaging theinner walls of said swimming pool.
 2. A system as claimed in claim 1,wherein said pipes are placed along the outer surface of the pool, belowremovable gratings that run along the outer surface decking of the pool.3. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said filtration elementincludes a reusable or disposable filtration media.
 4. A system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said filtration element comprises a freeflowing filtering media that reduces pressure loss during the filtrationprocess.
 5. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first housing,said second housing, and said third housing include clamping mechanismsadapted to clamp said housings to said wall or edge of said swimmingpool.
 6. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pumps include dualmotor driving devices to increase or decrease throughput flow.
 7. Asystem as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pipes define airtight andwatertight passageways for the flow of water.
 8. A system as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said system includes a disinfecting element adapted fortreating water through the filter element with a disinfectant before itsrelease into said swimming pool via said output element.
 9. A system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said system includes a flow rate controlmechanism adapted for controlling the rate of flow of water into and outof said system based on pre-defined parameters.
 10. A system as claimedin claim 1, wherein said system includes an electronic remote controlmanagement system for monitoring the health of, and for controlling theworking of, the system.
 11. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidsystem includes sensors deployed at each element of said housing tosense individual health of each element in each of said housing.
 12. Asystem as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system includes sensorsadapted to sense the flow rate of water in said pipes.
 13. A system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said system includes computation meansadapted to compute differential flow-rate between various points in thepipes to determine chokes/blocks in said pipes.
 14. A system as claimedin claim 1, wherein said system includes a heating unit adapted to heatthe water before it is ejected from the output element.
 15. A system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said output element includes a plurality ofjet elements in close proximity to increase the flow of water in aparticular prescribed area to provide a wave like motion in saidswimming pool.
 16. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said systemincludes sensors to sense water level and further includes a water levelswitch that can start or stop said pump(s) according to sensed height ofthe water, based on predefined conditions.
 17. A system as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said system includes sensors to sense water level andfurther includes water draining mechanism to drain out water from saidswimming pool, based on pre-defined conditions.
 18. A system as claimedin claim 1, wherein said system includes an additional filtering mediumconnected to said output element.
 19. A system as claimed in claim 1,wherein said system includes light units placed at first housing and/orthird housing for lighting the pool.
 20. A swimming pool having at leastone system for cleaning water thereof as claimed in claim 1.